Dwarf Fothergilla or Witch Alder
Fothergilla gardenii (HAMAMELIDACEAE)
Planting and Growing Dwarf Fothergilla
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow dwarf fothergilla or witch alder in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, and fruit of dwarf fothergilla or witch alder
- Growing conditions for dwarf fothergilla or witch alder
- When and where to plant dwarf fothergilla or witch alder
- How to plant dwarf fothergilla or witch alder
- How to shape, prune and control growth of dwarf fothergilla or witch alder
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of dwarf fothergilla or witch alder
- Landscape uses of dwarf fothergilla or witch alder
- Pest and disease control for dwarf fothergilla or witch alder
Growing Dwarf Fothergilla
One of two species of medium- to slow-growing, bushy, mounding, deciduous shrubs, to 4 ft. (1.2 m) tall, with deep or blue green, oval, pointed leaves, 1–2 in. (25–50 mm) long, turning orange, red, yellow, variegated in autumn.
Dwarf Fothergilla Planting and Care Guide
Flowers and Fruit
Tiny, filament-like, white flowers in spring form round, upright, bottle-brush-like clusters, to 2 in. (50 mm) long, with caplike fruit in summer. Flowers usually appear before leaves. Blooms best in full sun.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 4–9; ground hardy, zones 5–9.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained soil. Fertility: Rich–average. Add acidic compost or leaf mold. 5.5–6.5 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Full sun to partial shade. Space 3–4 ft. (90–120 cm) apart.
Proper Care
Easy. Keep moist; allow soil surface to dry between waterings until established. Fertilize annually in spring. Mulch, zones 4–6. Prune after bloom. Propagate by cuttings, layering, seed.
About This Species
Good choice for accents, backgrounds, beds, borders in cottage, woodland gardens. Good for cutting. Pest and disease resistant.